Considering a mid-career switch in Singapore? Meet Career Kaki

Navigating a mid-career switch can present unique challenges and exciting opportunities, particularly for those considering a career change at 40 or beyond. It's a significant life decision that requires careful planning and the right support.

Looking for practical advice for mid-career professionals looking to make a mid-career switch? Let’s explore the key steps of switching careers and introduce key tools and resources (such as Career Kaki)  to empower you to embrace your next professional chapter with confidence.

Table of Contents

• Why mid-career switches are becoming more common in Singapore

• How to switch careers

• Top tools for mid-career switchers in Singapore

Why mid-career switches are becoming more common in Singapore

Mid-career switches are becoming more common due to a variety of reasons. One significant driver is economic challenges. As the job market becomes more demanding, some professionals find it necessary to acquire new skills and pivot into new roles to remain competitive and secure their future employability.

Furthermore, with rising technological advancements, professionals are actively seeking roles that align with modern skill sets to future-proof their careers.

Beyond external factors, evolving personal goals are also a significant driver, as more people re-evaluate their purpose and strive for better work-life balance. This makes a career pivot a more appealing option for genuine fulfilment.

How to switch careers: Getting started

If you're considering a mid-career change, here are the steps to take to begin your new professional journey:

1. Identify transferable skills

Begin your mid-career switch by thoroughly assessing your existing skills and considering how they can be effectively transferred to new roles or industries. Don't overlook valuable soft skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication; these are highly sought-after assets in any industry and could significantly boost your appeal to potential employers in a new sector.

2. Research new industries

Next, use career platforms and industry insights to thoroughly research new industries you could potentially enter. Explore valuable career guidance services and tools like GovTech’s AI-powered career coach, which provides personalised job listings, identifies gaps in your skillsets, and offers tailored advice on upskilling opportunities. Career Kaki leverages government-verified data and industry insights to gauge market trends for the future economy.

3. Seek further education and upskilling

In our rapidly evolving job market, further education and upskilling are an essential step for a successful career change at 40 and beyond. There are many ways to gain new knowledge and certifications, from short courses and workshops to more extensive diploma or degree programmes, ensuring you acquire the necessary expertise for your desired new path. It's all about identifying your skill gaps and finding the most effective learning paths that align with your new career aspirations.

Top tools and platforms for mid-career switchers in Singapore

Here are some of the top tools and platforms designed to support mid-career switchers:

Career Kaki

Career Kaki is an AI-powered career coach by GovTech developed to support your career navigation needs. It is now integrated with the Careers & Skills Passport, allowing you to provide your employment, education and training history at a touch of a button. Here’s how Career Kaki’s unique features can help guide your career transition:

Personalised AI-powered job coaching

Unlike conventional career portals or one-size-fits-all job boards, Career Kaki stands out by combining a user’s profile, government-verified data and up-to-date industry insights to provide personalised career advice.

With the Careers & Skills Passport,  your education and employment history, skills, and certification records are consolidated in one secure place. These records will be tapped on (with your consent) so that Career Kaki can offer you tailored, data-backed recommendations for your career planning and development.

Career Kaki can also help you understand precisely how your existing skills translate into new industries, making it ideal for users who wish to narrow down their options.

Government-verified data for smarter job search

Career Kaki leverages government-verified information sources such as MyCareersFuture (for job searches), MySkillsFuture (for course searches) and Career Compass (for career resources).

This helps users make more informed decisions and plan their next steps more effectively.

In-chat prompts

The in-chat prompts feature offers introductory prompts to help you get started with the many aspects of career planning. For example, based on your employment history, skills, and certifications, the prompts may guide you towards key areas such as:

1. Job search – Understanding the requirements for specific job positions

2. Course search – Understanding the certifications that can boost your career

3. Interview guide – Learning how to effectively present your specific career experience in job interviews

4. Resume preparation – Knowing what to include in your resume for specific roles

SkillsFuture Singapore

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) offers a wealth of heavily subsidised courses and industry-relevant training, making it ideal for mid-career individuals looking to transition into new sectors.

With over 29,000+ courses available, users can explore diverse career pathways and access SSG-supported Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centres. There is also dedicated support for Singaporeans aged 40 and above through:

• Additional SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career): $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up.

• SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES): Up to 90% subsidy for courses funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SSG.

• SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance: An allowance for individuals enrolled in selected training programmes, to help with training expenses.

Additionally, through the portal, individuals can find other initiatives like Skills and Training Advisory Services with Skills Ambassadors and receive personalised advice on selecting the right upskilling courses for a mid-career change.

Career Health SG

Career Health SG is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) that empowers individuals to build resilient and meaningful careers by guiding them to chart clear pathways, access professional coaching and advice, and continuously strengthen their knowledge, insights, and skills.

Take the Career Health Quiz to reflect on your current career and understand where you may need to upskill, seek guidance, or explore new opportunities. For mid-career job seekers, it’s a practical first step to gain clarity on strengths, gaps, and areas for growth before making big career decisions. Once you’ve identified your career health status, use the recommended tools and portals to navigate your next steps.

You can also use the “Get Started” feature to help you plan and navigate your mid-career next steps strategically via the ACE framework—Assess, Chart, Execute. This framework helps you:

• Assess your career prospects and skillsets by taking proactive steps to identify skill gaps and career opportunities,

• Chart your career and training goals based on changes in the job market and your current stage of life, and

• Execute your plans with actionable steps such as training, personalised job recommendations (featuring Career Kaki), or career conversion programmes to seek better prospects and upgrade yourself.

Together, the quiz and the ACE framework provide structure and support, ensuring that mid-career professionals don’t just react when things go wrong, but proactively plan for a fulfilling, future-ready, and long-lasting career.

Career assessment tools

Beyond the core platforms, here are other valuable tools for mid-career switchers to explore for self-evaluation and assessment before taking that next step:

• CliftonStrengths Assessment (formerly StrengthsFinder): A well-known global tool often used in WSG workshops to help users discover their innate strengths and how these can be applied to new roles.

• Sokanu / CareerExplorer: An online tool used by individuals to explore careers based on personality, work preferences, and life goals. While international, it's accessible for Singaporeans and is often recommended in coaching sessions.

• MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator): Widely used by career coaches in Singapore to uncover personality profiles that align with job roles or industries.

• RIASEC Test (Holland Code): Available through platforms like MySkillsFuture or via career consultants, it maps interests to job types (e.g. Realistic, Investigative, Artistic).

Career networking tools

Beyond formal platforms, those looking to make mid-career changes may also find these networking tools helpful to broaden their reach and learn more about new industries:

• LinkedIn: Join local LinkedIn Groups such as Jobs in Singapore, Singapore Startup Network, or Tech Jobs Asia and use features like Open to Work, LinkedIn Events, and Creator Mode to boost visibility and engagement.

• Community-Based Platforms and Career Fairs:

  • Meetup.com: Find offline and online networking events in areas like digital marketing, UX, fintech, or career pivoting.

  • Eventbrite.sg: Find free and ticketed career talks, skills bootcamps, and hiring fairs.

• Career Fairs by e2i, WSG, and NTUC: Join their events where you can meet recruiters and hiring managers directly.

• University Alumni Events: Leverage your alma mater's network for exclusive professional gatherings and mentorship opportunities.

When networking, always remember to be prepared. Consider preparing a concise 60-second elevator pitch to introduce your career goals and bringing personalised name cards with a QR code linking to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio to make a memorable impression.

Embrace your mid-career switch

Successfully navigating a mid-career switch in Singapore is entirely possible, particularly with the right approach and available resources. If you're looking to make a mid-career change, it's crucial to take the correct steps, starting with self-assessment and strategic upskilling.

Crucially, utilising the right tools to start a new career, such as Career Kaki, can significantly streamline this process. Embrace the journey with confidence and take these steps towards pursuing your new passions and fulfilling career aspirations.

While you’re at it, why not consider GovTech for a career change? Explore opportunities for mid-career professionals at GovTech!

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